Jim Stanton ’78

Jim Stanton ’78 describes St. John Fisher College of the 70s as a great liberal arts college that fostered strong relationships with everyone on campus, from staff to students to professors.

“There was a definite camaraderie on campus,” he recalls. “I felt I received a quality education that has helped me later on in my career.”

Stanton also created a connection with one student in particular: Laurie Haywood, who shortly after graduation, would become his wife. Both Jim and Laurie were involved in student government and active in the College community, creating bonds with fellow students that would last a lifetime.

“We had numerous friends that we met at Fisher who are still friends today,” he says.

A year after graduation, the Stantons found themselves in Seattle, Washington. Jim launched a career in urban planning, while Laurie put her accounting degree to use in accounting and controller roles with the Seattle Times. In 2001, Stanton was recruited by Microsoft, and today he serves as the senior community affairs manager, working on Microsoft’s real estate development, renewable energy strategy, affordable housing initiative, and local philanthropy.

When Laurie passed away in 2005 after a nearly decade-long battle with breast cancer, Jim worked with the College to create an endowed scholarship in her memory. Matched dollar-for-dollar by Microsoft, the scholarship helps offset the cost of tuition for students majoring in accounting in the School of Business. To date, the Laurie Haywood Stanton Scholarship fund has provided funds to more than 35 accounting majors.

“There are plenty of students who are great students, but have financial needs. This was an actionable step we could take to help others and honor Laurie’s legacy.”